Intermittent pressure module for a vacuum regulator

ABSTRACT

An intermittent pressure module for controlling the position of a valve between two positions comprising diaphragm means; a plurality of ports associated with said diaphragm means for exposing said diaphragm means to a selected pressure in said first position, and ambient pressure in said second position; swing means associated with said diaphragm means and said valve means for intermittently displacing said valve means when said diaphragm means is exposed to said selected pressure in said first position and ambient pressure in said second position.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to an intermittent pressure module forcontrolling the position of a valve between two positions, andparticularly relates to a vacuum regulator having a removably securable,intermittent vacuum module for producing intermittent regulated vacuumflow. The invention also relates to a method of producing anintermittent vacuum by moving a valve to a first position to couple asupply of vacuum to a diaphragm chamber and a second position forevacuating the vacuum in the diaphragm chamber.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A variety of devices have heretofore been produced and utilised in orderto deliver an intermittent pressure. Such pressure can be positive inthe sense of being greater than ambient pressure or negative whendealing with a vacuum.

In one such application, the aspiration of fluids from a patient isaccomplished by providing a vacuum source to the internal body area ofthe patient requiring aspiration. Typically, unregulated hospital vacuumline pressure is approximately between 19 to 25 inches of mercury Hg.

The use of vacuum regulators as medical devices is well known to achievesuch aspiration of fluids.

Generally speaking, such vacuum regulators are attached to a vacuumoutlet in the wall of the patient's hospital room and known vacuumregulators are utilised in order to select the desired level of vacuum.

Furthermore, some of the vacuum regulators also include an intermittentvacuum regulator with a timing module in order to apply intermittentvacuum to a patient followed by exposure to an ambient pressure. Forexample, the U.S. Pat. No. 5,599,308 teaches an intermittent vacuumregulator having a timing module in combination with a valve forcontrolling the position of the valve between two or more states.

Moreover, U.S. Pat. No. 6,228,056 B1 illustrates an intermittentregulator in which the regulator alternates between supplying partialvacuum to a patient for withdrawing fluids from the body of a patient,and supplying atmosphere to a patient, at a selected intermittent rate,that is adjustable upon adjusting a timing mechanism.

Moreover, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,782,849 and 4,830,047 each illustrate acontrolled unit for an intermittent suction system.

Furthermore, U.S. Pat. No. 5,265,638 shows an intermittent suctiondevice for removing fluids from a patient where the duty cycle betweenthe off and on cycle is controlled by a magnetically susceptiblediaphragm that switches back and forth between a first and secondposition.

Furthermore, U.S. Pat. No. 5,265,639 shows a magneto-pneumatic timingdevice that provides a pressure signal alternating between a high andlow pressure output signal.

It is an object of this invention to provide an improved intermittentpressure module. It is further object of this invention to provide avacuum regulator having an intermittent vacuum module, which isremovable and securable thereto. It is a further object of thisinvention to provide an improved method for producing an intermittentpressure. It is a further object of this invention to provide aregulator that may be convertible from a regulated substantiallyconstant pressure flow to an intermittent pressure flow.

It is an aspect of this invention to provide an intermittent pressuremodule for controlling the position of a valve between two positionscomprising a diaphragm; a plurality of ports associated with saiddiaphragm for exposing the diaphragm to a selected supply pressure in afirst position and another pressure in a second position; and swing armstructure associated with the diaphragm and the valve for intermittentlydisplacing the valve when the diaphragm is exposed to the selectedsupply pressure in the first position and said other pressure in thesaid second position.

It is another aspect of this invention to provide a vacuum regulatorhaving: an intermittent channel for vacuum flow; a regulated channel forregulating a level of vacuum; an intermittent vacuum module removablysecurable to the vacuum regulator, the intermittent vacuum modulepresenting an intermittent port for communicating with the intermittentvacuum channel, a regulated port for communicating with said regulatorchannel, a diaphragm assembly displaceable within a diaphragm chamberhaving a diaphragm port, and a valve for intermittently connecting theintermittent port with the diaphragm port so as to expose the diaphragmassembly to a vacuum in a first position, and for connecting theintermittent port to the regulator port to relieve the vacuum from saiddiaphragm chamber (i.e. inflate the diaphragm chamber) to ambientpressure in a second position, and swing arm associated with a diaphragmassembly and the valve for intermittently displacing the valve when saiddiaphragm is exposed to the vacuum in the first position and ambientpressure in the second position.

It is another aspect of this invention to provide a method of producingan intermittent vacuum by moving a valve to a first position to couple asupply of vacuum to a diaphragm chamber having a diaphragm move inresponse to the vacuum for moving a spring loaded swing arm so as tomove the valve to a second position to couple the supply of vacuum to aregulated port and relieve the vacuum from the diaphragm chamber (i.e.inflate the diaphragm chamber) and move the diaphragm in response tosaid relief for moving said spring loaded swing arm so as to move thevalve to the first position, repeatedly.

These and other objects and features of the invention shall now bedescribed in relation to the following drawings:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the back face of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 is the front view of the vacuum regulator.

FIG. 3 is a partial exploded view of the vacuum regulator.

FIG. 4 is the rear face of the selector dial.

FIG. 5 is the front face of the selector dial.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a full-mode selector gasket.

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of an intermittent mode selector gasket.

FIG. 8 is a perspective of an assembled intermittent module.

FIG. 9 is a top cover plate shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is the upper face of intermediate intermittent vacuum sectionshown in FIG. 8 (i.e. the face that contacts the top cover plate).

FIG. 11 is the upper face of intermittent base portion that contacts theface shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 12 is a view of the lower face of intermittent intermediate portionof the intermittent module showing the diaphragm chamber.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the intermittent port selector valve.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a needle valve.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a needle body.

FIG. 16 illustrates an exhaust needle.

FIG. 17 illustrates an exhaust needle body.

FIG. 18 illustrates a rolling diaphragm.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the upper support plate.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the lower support plate.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the timing module.

FIG. 22 is a partial side perspective view of the spring-loaded swingarm.

FIG. 23 illustrates a perspective bottom view of the module base

FIGS. 24 a and 24 b illustrates another embodiment of the mechanicalswitching mechanism

FIG. 25 illustrates the ball and socket embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 26 illustrates another embodiment of the valve

FIG. 27 illustrates a steel plate.

FIGS. 28 and 29 illustrate another embodiment of the intermediatesection

FIG. 30 illustrates another embodiment of the timing mechanism.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In the description that follows, like parts are marked throughout thespecification and the drawings with the same respective numbers. Thedrawings are not necessarily to scale and in some instances proportionshave been exaggerated in order to more clearly depict certain featuresof the invention.

Furthermore the invention to be described herein is applicable toregulate and deliver an intermittent pressure which may be positive ornegative relative ambient atmospheric pressure. Therefore although onepreferred embodiment is described in relation to a vacuum (i.e. negativepressure) the invention embraces positive pressure intermittent flow aswell. Although the invention is described in relation to air it isapplicable to other gases and fluids.

FIG. 1 represents the back inner surface of the front body 18 while FIG.2 represents the front outer surface of the front body 18. The inventiondescribed herein utilizes four channels namely regulator channel 5,vacuum channel 6, output channel 7, and intermittent channel 10 as shownin FIG. 1. Furthermore the front surface of front body presents fourports, namely a pressure relief port 9, bleed port 62, regulator channelport 12 and intermittent channel port 14.

Typically prior art regulators utilise a three channel two port design.The three channels that prior art devices exhibit are the vacuum channel6, regulator channel 5 and output channel 7. The two ports that priorart devices exhibit are the pressure relief port 9 and bleed port 62.The pressure relief port 9 is typically covered by a duckbill 26 whichembraces the circular flange 63 in a manner well known to personsskilled in the art. Pressure relief port 9 communicates with vacuumchannel 6, and if a selected positive pressure is experienced in vacuumchannel 6 the duckbill 26 flexes from relief port 9 to permit pressureto vent to atmosphere rather than into the patient. Bleed port 62communicates with output channel 7 and is utilised to properly regulatethe unit in a manner well known to those persons skilled in the art andmay comprise an orifice for example 13 thousandths of an inch indiameter that sucks in air or depressurizes when the system is off.

In the drawings the intermittent channel port 14 communicates withintermittent channel 10, pressure relief port 9 communicates with vacuumchannel 6, bleed port 62 communicates with output channel 7 andintermittent channel port 14 communicates with intermittent channel 10,and regulator channel port 12 communicates with regulator channel 5.

FIG. 3 illustrates generally the various components of the vacuumregulator 16 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. Generally speaking thevacuum regulator 16 includes a front body 18. The backside of the frontbody 18 contains the channels or passageways 5, 6, 7 and 10 previouslydescribed. The front body 18 registers with a back body 20 and isfastened thereto by means of screws or the like in a conventionalmanner. A gasket 22 having the general profile of the channels and holesis provided between the front face 18 and the back body 20. The rearsurface of the back body 20 includes a vacuum inlet 24 which is securedto a common vacuum source in a hospital or the like.

Accordingly, vacuum pressure is introduced through inlet 24 whichcommunicates with the vacuum channel 6 and communicates with vacuumselector port 26; and pressure relief port 9 communicates with thevacuum channel 6 but is typically covered by a duck bill port cover 26as shown in FIG. 2. More particularly, the duck bill port cover 26 isutilized as a safety feature in the event that a positive pressure isaccidentally introduced into the output channel thereby opening the duckbill port cover 26 to permit venting of the pressure to atmosphere, andpreventing positive pressure from being introduced to patient.

A selector dial 28 is utilised to select the vacuum regulator 16 in the“off “mode, “full” vacuum flow mode, or “regulated” mode as show in FIG.3, 4 and 5. More specifically the selector dial 28 has an inneroperating face 30 with a pair of kidney-shaped recesses 32 and 34, whichselectively allow the communication of vacuum between the vacuumselector port 26 and the regulator channel 5. More specifically, agasket shown in FIG. 6 is sandwiched between face 30 of selector dial 28and selector face 36 as shown in FIG. 2. The selector face 36 includesthe vacuum selector port 26 which communicates with hole 27 of gasket38, a full output selector port 40 which communicates with hole 41 ofgasket 38, intermittent selector port 42 which communicates withintermittent hole 43 of gasket 38, and regulator selector port 44 whichcommunicates with hole 45 of gasket 38.

Accordingly, when the selector dial 28 is manipulated so that recess 34couples the vacuum selector port 26 with the regulated port 44 inputvacuum from the vacuum channel 6 is directed to the regulated channel 5which communicates with the regulator well 46 in a manner well known tothose skilled in the art. The regulator well 46 receives a regulatorassembly 48 and is sealed thereto by O rings 50. The regulator 48permits selection of a desired level of pressure namely vacuum pressureto be delivered through the patient output port 52 in a manner wellknown to those persons skilled in the art.

Furthermore if the selector dial 28 is manipulated so that recess 32couples vacuum selector port 26 with hole outlet selector port 40 fullvacuum pressure communicates between the vacuum channel 6 and outputchannel 7 delivering a full vacuum to the patient outlet 52. Theselector plate may also be manipulated in an off position.

The output channel 7 includes an aperture 54 which communicates with aprojecting hollow flange 56 for receiving a gauge assembly 58 fordisplaying the level of vacuum. The gauge assembly 58 can comprise of arotary dial or digital gauge. O rings 60 provide the necessary sealingof the gauge assembly 58 within the hollow flange.

A bleed outlet 62 is included in the output channel 7 and is sized toprovide optimal vacuum operation in a manner well known to those personsskilled in the art.

The vacuum regulator 16 is dimensioned so as to permit retro fittinginto a standard three channel vacuum regulator with the four channelvacuum regulator having intermittent capability to be described herein.In other words a standard prior art three channel two port regulator maybe removed from its housing (not shown) and the four channel four portregulator 16 described herein substituted in its place.

When utilising the intermittent mode, of the vacuum regulator 16 thefull mode selector gasket 38 described in FIG. 6 is replaced by theintermittent mode gasket 64 illustrated in FIG. 7. The intermittent modeselector gasket 64 shown in FIG. 7 is similar to the gasket 38 shown atFIG. 6 except that the selector output port 40 of gasket 38 has beenblocked so as to disable the full vacuum output channel. Moreover, theselector dial as shown in FIG. 4 is utilised whereby the kidney shapedrecess 32 is longer than the kidney shaped recess 34 so as to permit thevacuum source from the vacuum selector port 26 to communicate with theintermittent selector port 42.

The face 30 of selector dial 28 gasket and selector face 36 aredimensioned so as to provide a sealed fit there between withsubstantially no pressure leakage.

The selector dial 28 is received by post 66 and is secured thereto byfastening means such as a screw 67 or the like. The selector face 36includes a small ball 68 that is positioned on the free end of a spring70 and adapted to engage with detents 72 to secure the selector dial 28in the three positions namely intermittent, off, and regulated flow.

Each of the gaskets 38 and 64 include a hole 76 which is adapted toreceive the ball 68.

When utilising the vacuum regulator 16 in an intermittent mode module 80is added to the regulator 16. The intermittent module 80 comprises acover plate 82 intermediate section 84 and base section 86.

In order to upgrade the vacuum regulator to permit intermittent pressureflow, the intermittent module 80 must be attached and the vacuumregulator selector gasket 38 replaced with the intermittent modeselector gasket 64 so as to convert the “full” mode position of aselector to a “intermittent” mode. Moreover the indicia 29 on the faceplate of the selector 28 will be changed to indicate “Off”“Intermittent” and “Regulated” pressure modes. The gasket 68accomplishes this by blocking the output selector port 40 and allowingaccess to the intermittent channel 10.

The intermittent module 80 slides on and seals against the intermittentchannel port 14 and regulator channel port 12. The intermittent module80 includes module intermittent port 89 and module regulator port 103located on the base 86 as best seen in FIG. 23 which communicate andseal with the intermittent port 14 and regulator port 12 referred toabove. Furthermore recess 77 accommodates the insertion of pressurerelief port 9 while recess 79 accommodates the insertion of flange 63.“U-shaped cut out 81 registers with and is located by locating post 75so as to securely receive the intermittent module 80.

The intermittent port 14 permits access to the vacuum supplied to thevacuum regulator 16 only when the, regulator is in the intermittent modeas previously described. The regulator port 12 allows access to theregulator 48 as previously described. The module intermittent port 89communicates with passage 88 extending through base 86 and passage 92extending through intermediate portion 84 while module regulator port103 communicates with passage 107 extending through base 86 andintermediate portion 84.

When the vacuum regulator 16 is in the “intermittent” mode theintermittent module 80 is continuously supplied with a vacuum fromvacuum channel 6 through vacuum selector port 26 coupled by recess 32 tointermittent selector port 42 through intermittent channel 10 to theintermittent port 14 which communicates with the module intermittentport 89 and passage 88. Passage 88 in turn communicates with passageway92 through intermittent portion 84. The other end of passage 92communicates with intermittent valve port 101 of the intermittent module80. Moreover passage 107 communicates with module regulator port 103.

The intermittent module 80 controls the intermittent delivery of vacuumpressure to a patient in a selected ratio such as for example 2:1 timingratio. In other words the 2:1 ratio represents the vacuum being on twiceas long as the vacuum being off. Other ratios can however be selected.

The intermittent module 80 comprises an intermittent port selector valve104, deflate timing needle valve 106, diaphragm assembly 108 and springloaded swing arm 110.

The intermittent port selector valve shown in FIG. 13 is utilised toconnect two port holes together. In particular, the intermittent portselector valve 104 is retained in port select valve recess 112 disposedin intermediate section 84 shown in FIGS. 12 and 21. The port selectorvalve recess 112 includes the intermittent module port 101, intermittentregulator port 102, diaphragm port 103 and exhaust port 148. Dependingon the position of the port selector valve 104 it will connect theintermittent module port 101 to the regulator module port 102 or theintermittent port 101 to the diaphragm port 103.

The port selector valve 104 is generally triangular in shape with ovalcups 111 and 113 at its larger end used to connect two ports. Oval cup113 is larger than 111. Furthermore the port selector valve 104 includesaperture 114 which is adapted to receive a pin 116 for pivotal movementabout pin receiving hole 118 as shown at FIGS. 12 and 21. An air-tightseal is made between the valve 104 and the surface 120 surrounding theports 101, 102, 103 and 148 by utilising highly planar surfaces.

When the intermittent port selector valve 104 is moved so that cup 113couples or connects the intermittent module port 101 to the diaphragmport 103 the module regulator port 102 is left open to atmosphere andthere is no vacuum delivered to the patient. Furthermore exhaust 148 isdisposed under cup 112. In this position, the air in the diaphragmchamber 122 is evacuated at a rate depending on the deflate timingneedle valve 106 since the diaphragm port 103 is connected to thediaphragm chamber 122 by means of needle passage 200 and port 201.

The deflate timing needle valve 106 is disposed in passage 200. Deflatetiming needle valve 106 comprises of a needle valve portion 128 havingangled portion 127 which is received in needle body 124, having anangled seat portion 125. Both deflate timing needle valve 106 and needlebody 124 are received by receiving hole 126 shown in FIG. 10. Thedeflate timing needle valve 124 includes the needle portion 128 which isreceived within the hole 130 of needle body 124. The other end of thedeflate timing needle valve 106 includes a threaded end 135 which isthreadedly received within a threaded hole 134 presented by theintermittent cover plate 82. The deflate timing needle valve 106includes a tool-receiving head 140 which permits rotation of the needle.The needle body includes a hole 123 there through which intersects valveseat 125 twice, and which is adapted to be aligned with needle passage200 which has one end 201 communicating with diaphragm chamber 122 andanother end which communicates with diaphragm port 103.

Depending on the tightening of the needle the size of the orificebetween the diaphragm chamber 122 and the exhaust passage 200 (by meansof hole 123) is either increased or decreased to increase or decreasethe time duration of the evacuation or introduction of air out of orinto the diaphragm chamber. As the needle valve is tightened so that thespace between the angled surface 127 and seat 125 is made smaller thetime duration increases, while the time duration is lessened byincreasing the space. During the time the vacuum is introduced ordiverted into the chamber the patient gets no vacuum. Thus the deflatetiming needle valve 106 controls the time that the patient does not getvacuum.

The valve recess 112 also includes an exhaust port 148 whichcommunicates with an inflate timing needle valve 150. The inflate timingneedle valve registers with exhaust body 152 retained by exhaust bodyhole 154 as shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10. The inflate timing needle valve150 includes an angled portion 157, a threaded end 156 which is slottedat 162 so as to permit threaded engagement with a threaded hole 160located on a intermittent cover shown at FIGS. 8 and 9. The inflatetiming needle valve 150 has a hole 155 disposed axially through theinflate timing needle valve 150 from the slotted end 162 to the otherend as shown. The exhaust body 152 includes a valve seat 159 and a hole153 which intersects the valve seat 159 once (ie half way) The hole 155exhausts to atmosphere by means of passage 203. Passage 203 communicateswith the exhaust port 148 at one end and with hole 123 at the other endthereof. The slotted end 162 is adapted to be manipulated so as toselect the time that the patient has vacuum. The smaller the effectivespace between the valve 157 in FIG. 16 and the valve seat 159 in FIG. 17the more vacuum time the patient will receive.

The diaphragm assembly comprises a rolling diaphragm 190, upper supportplate 192, lower support plate 194 and spring 196. Diaphragm 190 ispressed between the upper and lower support plates 192 and 194 as shown.The diaphragm 190 seals the diaphragm chamber 122 which in turn isconnected to the diaphragm port 103.

The spring 196 is disposed so as to contact the lower surface of thediaphragm chamber 122 and the lower support plate 194 as shown. Thespring 196 exerts a force to push the diaphragm 190 away from the lowersurface of the diaphragm chamber 122. The upper support plate 192 has araised section 200 with a hole 202 for pivotal movement thereabout. Theupper portion 200 is pivotally connected to a spring-loaded swing arm110.

When the diaphragm port 103 is connected to the vacuum supply throughthe intermittent port 101 by means of the port select valve 104 thevacuum will evacuate the air within the diaphragm chamber 122 causing astrong compression force against spring 196 (during this time asmentioned above the intermittent regulator port is left open toatmosphere and no vacuum delivered to the patient). In the orientationshown in FIG. 22, the strong downward force from the vacuum will cause astrong downward force from the diaphragm 190 against the spring 196resulting in a negative or downward displacement of the upper supportplate 192.

When the port selector valve 104 is moved so cup 113 connects the moduleregulator port 102 and intermittent module port 101 vacuum is suppliedto the patient. At the same time the diaphragm 103 is coupled to exhaustport 148 by means of cup 111 and thus the diaphragm is open toatmosphere (through both deflate timing needle valve 106 and inflatetiming needle valve 150) which will return the diaphragm chamber 122 toatmosphere pressure. During this time vacuum is supplied to the patientthrough the intermittent regulator port, and regulator channel asdescribed above. The return of the positive pressure will lessen thedownward force on the diaphragm 190 onto the spring 196 allowing thespring 196 to decompress back to its original state resulting in apositive displacement of the upper support plate 192.

The spring loaded swing arm 110 acts as a timing or switching module forthe intermittent port select valve 104 between two possible positions.The maximum and minimal vertical positions of the upper support plate192 signals the spring-loaded swing arm 110 to switch between the twopositions of the valve. The spring-loaded swing arm 110 comprises acantilever arm 220, a swing arm 222, and a spring 224.

One end 226 of the cantilever arm 220 is connected to the hole 202 so asto provide a pivot point 228 to the upper end of the support plate 200.The other end 223 of the cantilever arm 220 is connected to a pivotpoint 230. In particular, end 223 of the cantilever arm 220 includes ahole and the swing arm 222 also includes a hole adapted to receive a pin240 which is fixedly secured to a hole 240 (as shown in FIG. 8) namelythe intermittent module casing.

One end of the swing arm 222 has a protruding stem 246 that runs throughan appropriate hole 248 in the port selector valve 104. The other end250 of the swing arm 122 is attached to a compressed spring 224 of whichthe other end of the compressed spring 224 is secured to the cantileverarm 220 close to the pivot point 228 with the upper support plate 192.

Generally speaking, the spring 224 is stable in three positions only,namely,

-   -   1. When the cantilever arm 220 and swing arm 222 are in a        generally horizontal alignment with each other whereby generally        speaking the force of the compressed spring travels through both        pivot points 228 and 230; and    -   2. When the cantilever arm 220 is pulled downwardly by the upper        support plate 192 (when referring to FIG. 22). In other words        when the diaphragm chamber is exposed to a vacuum the upper        support plate will travel downwardly and the vertical component        of the spring 224 will cause the swing arm 222 to move quickly        clockwise resulting in the quick switching of the intermittent        port select valve 104 to connect intermittent ports 101 and 102.        Vacuum will be delivered to the patient when valve 104 connects        intermittent ports 101 and 102. At the same time the ports 103        and 148 are connected to inflate the diaphragm chamber 122.    -   3. When the cantilever arm 200 is pushed up by the upper support        plate 192. This occurs when atmospheric pressure is exposed to        the diaphragm chamber 122 so that the upper support plate 192        will travel upwards and the vertical component of the spring 222        will cause the swing arm to move quickly counter clockwise        resulting in a quick switching of the intermittent port selector        valve 104 to connect ports 101 and 103. Vacuum will be delivered        to the diaphragm chamber and not the patient when valve 104        connects intermittent ports 101 and 103.

The intermittent pressure module 80 described above controls theposition of the valve 104 between two positions and comprises thediaphragm assembly 108, a plurality of ports 101, 102, and 148associated with the diaphragm assembly 108 for exposing the diaphragmassembly 108 between a selected pressure in the first position and anambient pressure in the second position, and comprises a spring loadedswing arm associated with the diaphragm assembly 108 and the valve 104for intermittently displacing the valve 104 when the diaphragm assembly108 is exposed to the selected pressure in the first position and theambient pressure in the second position.

The valve 104 couples the vacuum and the intermittent module port 101with the diaphragm port 103 for communicating vacuum pressure with thediaphragm chamber 122 so as to draw the diaphragm assembly 108 to thefirst position. Moreover, the valve 104 couples the vacuum and theintermittent module port 101 with the module regulator port 102 todeliver vacuum to the patient and port 148 and port 103 is connected toinflate or relieve the vacuum from the diaphragm chamber 122 and movethe diaphragm assembly 108 to a second position.

FIGS. 24 a and 24 b illustrate another embodiment of the invention wherethe swing arm 222 has a removeable stem 246 adapted to be received byhole 247. A socket 251 is disposed at another end 250 of swing arm 222.The socket 251 as shown is spherical and adapted to receive ball joint253 shown in FIG. 24 b. The ball joint 253 is located at on end of aball shaft 257. The other end 259 of the ball shaft 257 is received byhole 261 presented by cantilever arm 220. The hole 261 slidinglyreceives ball shaft 257 during the motions previously described. Thespring 224 is received by the ball shaft 257 for improved location andoperation as shown. The ball joint will rotate or swivel within socket251 during the motions described.

FIGS. 26 and 27 illustrate another embodiment of the invention. Valve104 includes two kidney shaped couplers 300 and 301 as well as a hole302 for reception of stem 246. A sealing plate 304 which can becomprised of steel or the like is attached to valve recess 306 shown inFIG. 29 by any number of means such as gluing or the like.

Sealing plate 304 is used to provide a smooth surface for asubstantially air tight seal with valve face 308. The holes or ports401, 402, and 403, and 448 match those of 501, 502, 503, and 548 invalve recess 306.

FIGS. 28 and 29 illustrates a yet further embodiment of the intermittentmodule and particularly the intermittent section 86. Intermittentsection 86 includes intermittent module port 101, intermittent regulatorport 102, diaphragm port 103 and exhaust port 148. An inflate timingneedle valve 150 registers in exhaust hole 154 as previously describedand opens to atmosphere to control the time that the patient has avacuum as previously described. The deflate timing timing needle valve106 is received by receiving hole 128. The deflate timing needle valve106 controls the time the patient has no vacuum. In one embodiment theinflate timing needle valve 150 and deflate timing needle valve 106 canbe adjusted for a 2:1 ratio of vacuum to vacuum off. Other ratios can beselected.

With reference to FIG. 29, when the valve 104 is in the right mostposition in valve recess 306 coupler 300 covers intermittent regulatorport 502 and the space to the right thereof; which blocks or closesintermittent regulator port 502 resulting in no vacuum to the patient.At the same time coupler 301 covers intermittent module port 501 anddiaphragm port 503; to allow the supply vacuum to evacuate the air fromthe diaphragm chamber through the deflate timing needle valve 106 (whichcontrols the timing that the patient does not receive vacuum since thevacuum is being directed to the diaphragm chamber). Also during thistime exhaust port 548 is blocked by the extra meat or land 550 on thevalve 104 next to coupler 301.

Once the diaphragm chamber is emptied enough of air the switching asdescribed occurs and causes the valve 104 to rotate counter clockwise asviewed in FIG. 29. Now coupler 300 covers intermittent regulator port502 and intermittent module port 501 providing vacuum from intermittentport 14 to the patient through regulator port 12. Coupler 301 coversexhaust port 548 and diaphragm port 503. Since the inflate timing needlevalve 150 is open to atmosphere air enters there through the needlevalve and into the diaphragm chamber 122, which begins to fill with air.The cycle starts over.

Moreover the surface S shown in FIG. 28 includes a gasket not shownhaving the same general configuration as surface S and is adapted to besandwiched between intermediate section 84 and cover 82 (which will havea similar configuration to surface S) to produce an air-tight seal forpassages 92, 200, 107, and 88.

In order to improve the accuracy or precision of timing, a separatechamber 600 can be provided which communicates with the diaphragmchamber 122 by means of channel 601. One end of the channel 601 ports tochamber 600 while another end of channel 601 ports to diaphragm chamber122 at port 201. In other words the volume of diaphragm chamber 122 isincreased by chamber to more accurately control the timingcharacteristics of the on and off cycle of the intermittent volume. Thetop of chamber 600 shown in FIG. 29 will in the assembled intermittentmodule include a top (not shown).

The invention disclosed herein also describes a vacuum regulator havinga channel 10 for intermittent vacuum flow, a channel 5 for regulatingthe level of the vacuum, and an intermittent vacuum module 80 removesecurable to the vacuum regulator where the intermittent vacuum module80 presents:

-   -   1. intermittent module port 101 for communicating with the        intermittent vacuum channel 10;    -   2. a module regulator port 102 for communicating with the        regulator channel 5;    -   3. a diaphragm assembly with a diaphragm chamber 122 having a        diaphragm port 103;    -   4. a valve 104 for intermittently connecting        -   (i) the intermittent module port 101 to the diaphragm port            103 so as to expose the diaphragm assembly 108 to a vacuum            in the first position; and        -   (ii) the diaphragm port 103 to the exhaust port 148 to            evacuate the vacuum from the diaphragm chamber 122 to            ambient in a second position at the same time the            intermittent module port 101 is connected to the module            regulator port 102 to provide vacuum to the patient    -   5. a spring loaded swing arm associated with the diaphragm        assembly 108 and valve 104 for intermittently displacing the        valve 104 when the diaphragm assembly 108 is exposed to the        vacuum in the first position and ambient pressure in the second        position.

Moreover, the vacuum regulator as shown further includes:

-   -   1. a vacuum channel 6    -   2. a full vacuum output channel 7    -   3. a selector 28 having        -   (a) an intermittent selector port 42        -   (b) a full vacuum selector port 40        -   (c) a vacuum inlet selector port 26        -   (d) a regulator selector port 44    -   4. a gasket 64 for blocking the full vacuum selector port 41    -   5. a vacuum dial 28 having a valve coupler 32, 34 for        -   (a) coupling the vacuum inlet selector port 27 to the            regulator selector port 45 for regulating the vacuum level;        -   (b) coupling the vacuum inlet selector port 27 to the            intermittent selector port 43 for intermittent vacuum; and        -   (c) turning the vacuum off.

Moreover, the invention described herein illustrates the method ofproducing an intermittent vacuum by moving a valve 104 to the firstposition to couple a supply of vacuum to the diaphragm chamber 122having a diaphragm assembly 108 move in response to the vacuum formoving a spring loaded swing arm so as to move the valve 104 to a secondposition to couple the supply of vacuum to a regulated port and torelieve vacuum from the diaphragm chamber 122 and move the diaphragm inresponse to said relief for moving the spring loaded swing arm so as tomove the valve 104 to the first position.

The ratio of the vacuum on to the off time has been selected at a ratioof 2:1. However, any ratio might be selected and the time duration ofthe vacuum on versus the vacuum off may be controlled by turning theneedle valve 106 as described.

Although the preferred embodiment as well as the operation in use havebeen specifically described in relation to the drawings, it should beunderstood that the variations of the preferred embodiment could beachieved by a person skilled in the trade without departing from thespirit of the invention as claimed herein.

1. An intermittent pressure module for controlling the position of avalve means between two positions comprising: (a) diaphragm means; (b) aplurality of ports associated with said diaphragm means for exposingsaid diaphragm means to a selected pressure in said first position, andanother pressure in said second position; (c) swing means associatedwith said diaphragm means and said valve means for intermittentlydisplacing said valve means when said diaphragm means is exposed to saidselected pressure in said first position and said other pressure in saidsecond position.
 2. An intermittent pressure module as claimed in claim1 wherein said selected pressure comprises a vacuum , and said otherpressure is ambient.
 3. An intermittent pressure module as claimed inclaim 2 wherein said diaphragm means comprises a diaphragm assemblydisplaceable between two positions in a diaphragm chamber.
 4. Anintermittent pressure module as claimed in claim 3 wherein saidplurality of ports comprises: (a) a port venting to ambient pressure;(b) a vacuum port; (c) a diaphragm port.
 5. An intermittent pressuremodule as claimed in claim 4 wherein said valve means couples saidvacuum port with said diaphragm port for communicating vacuum pressurewith said diaphragm chamber so as to draw said diaphragm assembly tosaid first position.
 6. An intermittent pressure module as claimed inclaim 5 wherein said valve means couples said vacuum port with said portventing to ambient pressure to evacuate said vacuum from said diaphragmchamber and move said diaphragm to said second position.
 7. Anintermittent pressure module as claimed in claim 6 wherein saiddiaphragm assembly is connected to a spring loaded swing arm for movingsaid valve between said first and second positions.
 8. An intermittentpressure module as claimed in claim 7 wherein said intermittent pressuremodule is connected to a vacuum regulated for delivering intermittentvacuum.
 9. A vacuum regulator having: (a) an intermittent channel forvacuum flow; (b) a regulator channel for regulating a level of vacuum;(c) an intermittent vacuum module removably securable to said vacuumregulator, said intermittent vacuum module presenting (i) anintermittent port for communicating with said intermittent vacuumchannel; (ii) a regulator port for communicating with said regulatorchannel; (iii) a diaphragm assembly displaceable within a diaphragmchamber having a diaphragm port; (iv) valve means for intermittentlyconnecting (1) said intermittent port with said diaphragm port so as toexpose the diaphragm assembly to a vacuum in a first position; (2) saidintermittent port to said regulator port to relieve said vacuum fromsaid diaphragm assembly to ambient pressure and said second position (v)swing means associated with said diaphragm assembly and said valve meansfor intermittently displacing said valve means when said diaphragmassembly is exposed to said vacuum in said first position and ambientpressure in said second position.
 10. A vacuum regulator as claimed inclaim 9 wherein said vacuum regulator further includes (a) a vacuumchannel; (b) a full vacuum output channel; (c) a selector having: (i) anintermittent selector port (ii) full vacuum selector port (iii) a vacuuminlet selector port (iv) regulator selector port (d) a gasket forblocking said full vacuum selector port; (e) a valve coupler presentedby said valve means for: (i) coupling said valve inlet selector port tosaid regulator selector port for regulating said vacuum level; (ii)coupling said vacuum inlet selector port to said intermittent selectorport for intermittent vacuum; (iii) turning off said vacuum.
 11. Avacuum regulator as claimed in claim 10 wherein said intermittent moduleis removable and said gasket is replaceable for disabling intermittentvacuum and permitting full vacuum delivery.
 12. A vacuum regulator asclaimed in claim 11 wherein said intermittent module includes anadjustable needle valve for controlling the rate of flow of air into andout of said diaphragm chamber.
 13. A vacuum regulator as claimed inclaim 12 wherein said diaphragm assembly includes: (a) a rollingdiaphragm; (b) spring means disposed between said diaphragm and saiddiaphragm chamber.
 14. A vacuum regulator as claimed in claim 13 whereinsaid swing means comprises a spring loaded swing arm connected at oneend to said rolling diaphragm and at another end to said valve means.15. A vacuum regulator as claimed in claim 14 wherein said valve meansincludes a pivot point at one end and a plurality of cups at anotherend.
 16. A method of producing an intermittent vacuum by moving a valveto a first position to couple a supply of vacuum to a diaphragm chamberhaving a diaphragm move in response to said vacuum for moving a springloaded spring arm so as to move said valve to a second position tocouple said supply of vacuum to a regulated port so as to relieve saidvacuum from said diaphragm chamber and move said diaphragm in responseto said relief for moving said spring loaded spring arm and move saidvalve to said first position, repeatedly.
 17. A method as claimed inclaim 16 wherein said intermittent vacuum is delivered in a ratio of2:1.
 18. A method as claimed in claim 17 wherein said spring-loadedspring arm is stable in said first and second positions.
 19. A method asclaimed in claim 18 wherein said time duration of said intermittentvacuum flow is controllable by an adjustable needle control valve.
 20. Amethod as claimed in claim 19 wherein said intermittent vacuum isdelivered to a vacuum regulator.